By esteban m
Knowledge retention is one of the most difficult aspects of learning. After class, most students reread what they learned, write down important points, and try to memorize as much as possible. But how effective are these processes for the average student?
When used well, all of the aforementioned strategies can greatly improve memory retention after a long night of studying. Here are some things to consider when using memory tricks like rereading, highlighting main points, and more.
rereading
After spending long hours in class studying different subjects, it’s easy to forget some of the things you learned. The best way to retrieve such information is to actively reread the course materials or notes on the same day. You must commit to rereading and trying to think qualitatively. As you read, challenge your understanding and find answers to the parts you don’t understand.
Highlight main points
As you go through your notes, jot down or highlight some of the main points for easy reference. Then, every time you open your notes for reference, you don’t need to read a whole page, but simply glance at the key points to refresh your memory.
Take note
As your study, try to build your own notes. This is essential because writing in your own words makes it easier to retain knowledge. Try to use clear words and be concise. Taking notes also helps you decode information for easier understanding and recall.
Write instead of writing notes
As you learn, you may want to take some brief notes on a topic to help guide you. The best way to make such notes is to type rather than type. Typing is slower and takes longer than typing. As you write slowly, you absorb more information and develop a deeper understanding of the topic.
test yourself
After each learning session, test yourself using flash cards. It helps you recover what you have learned. Rate yourself honestly and refer to your notes to relearn what you did wrong.
